Brisbane-born conductor Patrick Thomas who died on 1 August 2017 was almost exactly the same age as the ABC - both came into the world in 1932 - and his career was inextricably linked with that of the national broadcaster.

When he was 12 years old, Patrick attended Eugene Ormandy's legendary wartime performances at the Brisbane City Hall, acquired the great man's autograph, and decided that he wanted to become a conductor himself. It was a childhood decision which would have major ramifications...